Top Ten Tuesday – Ten Of My Favourite Recent Reads

Today’s top ten Tuesday is ten of your recent five-star reads or favourite books. I don’t do ratings, really, but here are ten that would DEFINITELY get the full five stars if I did!

Mind Your Head by Juno Dawson and Dr Olivia Hewitt, illustrated by Gemma Correll – I love Juno’s non-fiction and this is another brilliant book, a clear and funny look at mental health which provides massively needed advice.

The Girl From Everywhere by Heidi Heilig – This time-travel story has my favourite m/f couple for ages in main character Nix, daughter of a pirate who can take his ship to anywhere he has a map of, and love interest Kashmir. The world-building is incredible; I especially loved the way Heilig brought her main setting of 19th century Hawaii to life so well.

When We Collided by Emery Lord – Grieving Jonah meets livewire Vivi, who quickly becomes part of his life and befriends his large family. But Vivi has problems of her own. Gorgeously written, wonderful characters and a fabulous small town setting make this a must-read.

Number One Rule For Girls by Rachel McIntyre – Rachel McIntyre’s book is an outstanding look at a relationship where everything isn’t as wonderful as it seems. Partly inspired by Wuthering Heights, and Rachel’s disquiet at realising what a toxic character Heathcliff was, this is a really important read.

Radio Silence by Alice Oseman – Frances and Aled are a brilliant pairing and it’s great to see a strong platonic friendship between them. The diversity of the characters is a plus and the way Alice Oseman looks at families, pressure on teens and different kinds of love make this my book of the year so far.

Kindred Spirits by Rainbow Rowell – I think for the World Book Day books it’s really important to have reads which will engage teens as quickly as possible, and this one from Rainbow Rowell definitely delivers there – it’s a super-charming story of three people in the queue for the new Star Wars movie.

If I Was Your Girl by Meredith Russo – A novel about a trans girl going to live with her dad and falling for a boy at her new school, this is a really fantastic contemporary (and it’s written by a trans author – so great to see it published here!)

Nimona by Noelle Stevenson – My favourite graphic novel for AGES, this story about a young shapeshifting girl who becomes the sidekick to a supervillain is a funny, brilliantly-written and drawn, and surprisingly moving story.

All The Rage by Courtney Summers – Powerful and furious, this novel about a girl shunned by her town after the sheriff’s son assaults her is a difficult read but so rewarding. One of the most feminist novels I’ve read.

My Favourite Manson Girl by Alison Umminger – This novel about a 15-year-old girl staying with her actress sister in LA and getting a job working for her sister’s ex researching the murderous Manson Family was hugely compelling and really thought-provoking. One of the biggest surprises of the year so far for me.